[ Search ]

Welford and Wickham Primary School

Child Protection Policy

This school recognises that the class teacher is the first stage in the pastoral care of the child in the school. Teachers are well placed to observe outward signs of abuse, changes in behaviour or failure to develop or thrive.
Categories for concern are:

• NEGLECT
  The persistent or severe neglect of a child which results in serious impairment of the child's health or development.

• PHYSICAL ABUSE
  Physical injury to a child - reasonable suspicion that the injury was inflicted or knowingly not prevented.

• SEXUAL ABUSE
  The involvement in sexual activities to which the child was unable to give informed consent.

• EMOTIONAL ABUSE
  Persistent or severe emotional ill-treatment or rejection.

• GRAVE CONCERN
  Children whose situations do not currently fit the above categories but for whom there is significant risk of abuse. If a teacher becomes aware of the above and is concerned for the child, the Headteacher and Special Needs Co-ordinator of the school shall be informed immediately. The Headteacher will investigate so far as is possible and involve the relevant agencies (parents, foster-parents, social services, police etc.). Dependant upon the investigation the Headteacher shall ensure that a case conference is arranged involving the above agencies. The outcome of this will depend upon the individual case but it could result in the child's name being entered onto the child protection register.
  The Headteacher will keep the class teacher and Special Needs Co-ordinator up-to-date with developments.
  Every attempt will be made to offer support for the child whilst at school and it is hoped that the school will provide an environment in which he/she can relax and spend the school day in complete confidence and safety.

Go to the Welford and Wickham Policy Index.